After a six-month hit run on Netflix, Filipino action series “Incognito” is ending on a high note — and so is its director, Lester Pimentel Ong, who’s celebrating another major milestone in his growing career.
Known for blending discipline from martial arts, business savvy and visual storytelling, Direk Lester has become one of the few Filipino directors boldly elevating action to a global level. “We wanted to create something different,” Direk Lester said. “Not the usual teleserye, not something made just to chase ratings. We wanted to prove that we can compete internationally.”
“Incognito” did just that. Featuring an ensemble cast including Daniel Padilla, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, Baron Geisler, Ian Veneracion and Richard Gutierrez, the series unfolded across various locations in the Philippines and abroad. Scenes were shot in Baguio, Itogon, Palawan, Marawi and Tacloban, as well as Italy and Japan, giving the show a scale rarely seen in local productions.
Its finale was filmed in Marawi, a first for any Filipino series of this size. “We needed a real urban battlefield, and Marawi had the history and weight we were looking for,” Ong said.
The local government and Task Force Marawi offered full support and security, allowing the team to shoot for 17 days. Despite limited resources, Direk Lester and his team managed to pull off huge action sequences on a drama budget.
A former competitive Wushu Taolu athlete, Direk Lester brings his martial arts background into every production. He also led fight choreography with his son Lance, who was part of the action team and joined the cast last-minute. “Action is in our blood,” he said. “And we want to raise the bar for what Filipino action can be.”
“Incognito” follows the director’s previous work directing large-scale productions like “La Luna Sangre,” “Bagani” and “The Iron Heart.” His production company also co-produced the Netflix film “Love You Long Time” and Amazon Prime Video’s “One Good Day.” Beyond film and TV, Ong is a longtime entrepreneur, having founded Binondo Food Group and introduced brands like Rice in a Box, Kyukyu Ramen, Udders Ice Cream and Dean & DeLuca to the Philippine market.
But his passion remains in telling bold stories. “Filipino audiences are smarter and more discerning now. They deserve stories that match the quality of what’s available globally,” he said.
With Netflix, he believes Filipino content has a real shot at crossing borders. “Our dream is that someday, other countries will watch and enjoy Filipino action dramas the same way we enjoy Korean or Thai shows.”
“Incognito” was designed from the start to allow for sequels or spin-offs, and Ong remains hopeful for more. “We’re ready to continue if given the chance,” he said.
As the show wraps, Direk Lester says he feels both relief and pride — not just for the strong audience response, but for how the show became part of the personal journey of many in the cast. “Some of them were dealing with private struggles, and this show became part of their healing. That means more to me than anything.”
Direk Lester hopes his work helps bring Filipino action to the global stage. “I just want to be part of that journey,” he said. “To help take Filipino stories to screens around the world.”
“Incognito” is from ABS-CBN and Star Creatives and seen weeknights in Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Advance episodes are on Netflix and iWantTFC.
